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Wow, if we’re not mistaken, spring just came and went. Like, a half-hour ago. We hope you enjoyed it. Now it’s on to summer and its delightfully messed up micro-climates and jam-packed opportunities for fun, deliciousness and tasty adult beverages. So here are seven ways to kick it in the S.F. Bay Area and beyond this weekend, from awesome Napa day trips to great shows and extreme ice cream. Off we go … .
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1 HEAR: Great music, from sacred to sizzling
There are choices galore in the concert scene this weekend, from the hugely popular contemporary Christian Spirit West Coast tour to country superstar (and guitarist extraordinaire) Brad Paisley. Details are here. And speaking of Paisley, if you’re headed to Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre, here’s where to dine before the show (you’re welcome). Meanwhile, choral music fans have some amazing options, from the awesome Chanticleer to the San Francisco Girls Choir. And banjo legend Bela Fleck is bringing his seminal band the Flecktones to Oakland.
2 EAT: Extreme ice cream
Since we seem to have gone straight from torrential rain to sun-baked heat, may we suggest some over-the-top sweets? Housemade ice cream tacos, ice cream doughnut sandwiches or Taiwanese shaved snow? Here are five of our favorite icy finds.
3 SEE: Stage musicals from silly to sumptuous
Theater options are rich in the Bay Area this weekend. Actor/writer/mischief maker John Leguizamo is back at Berkeley Rep with a musical comedy about the Aztecs. Here’s what he has to say about that. And “Beautiful,” a musical about Carole King and the sublime music she created, is back in S.F. Here’s our review, and one hopelessly hammy critic’s experiences getting a walk-on part in the show.
4 SIP: Rosé all day
Pink wine is the ultimate summer sipper — and we’re not the only folks mad about rosé. There are five rosé wine festivals this month alone, and all the rosy celebrations start this weekend.
5: SEE: The Bay Area star on the big and small screens
There is so much good stuff to watch this weekend, we almost wish the weather would suck. And the Bay Area is a big part of your best options. The poignant and powerful Sundance Film Festival favorite “Last Black Man in San Francisco” opens in Bay Area theaters; we talked to the local filmmakers behind it. Here’s a rundown of your other cinematic options — including new X-Men and Secret Life of Pets films. On the telly, “Big Little Lies,” is back for Season 2, with its serious attitude and divine Monterey vistas intact. And “Tales of the City,” the sexy San Francisco soap opera, starts a new season, too.
6 GET OUT: And take in a fab festival
Outdoor festivals offer a wide variety of fun this weekend. You can immerse yourself in Greek or Japanese culture, or surrender to the playful and delicious charms of Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. We have all your festival options for the summer here.
7 PLAY: 10 Napa adventures
If you’re headed to wine country this weekend (for a rosé festival, perhaps?), here are 10 fab new things to do while you’re there, including a new rooftop lounge that has to be seen to be believed.
